The prompt is found by opening a book to a random page and, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger is the prompt. Today, I opened The Last Drive to page 205, and when I opened my eyes, the word invisible was nearest my finger.
Invisible by John W.Howell © 2023
This may appear to be an implausible story made up in the mind of someone who clearly needs professional help. Let me unequivocally state that everything that is said here is the truth. In fact, I’m so grateful that the staff allowed you to interview me. It’s no secret that my being here is a total miscarriage of justice. When your story is published, all of America will see I have been wrongly accused. What’s that? Start at the beginning?
You are aware that I am the foremost biological researcher in academia today. However, you may not be aware that I discovered a compound that, when ingested, brings about a state of invisibility in organic material. I can assure you that my experiments on plants and animals proved to all who would read my findings that it was now possible for complete stealth. Think what this would mean to an army of totally invisible warriors. They would be unstoppable.
Of course, my compound could also be used for ill-gotten gains in the wrong hands. Think of a burglar being able to walk freely undectected into a home. Likewise, a bank robber could enter a bank vault and help himself. This is why the formula must be protected with the utmost security.
I hope your story will include warnings to authorities to make sure protection is paramount. As far as the unfortunate subjects who succumbed to the experiments, they should be memorialized. I can give you their names; they should be treated as heroes in the cause. It did take some time to work out the safety profile. I deeply regret their sacrifice. But wait, we have just begun. Where are you going?
* * *
“Well, did you get the story you were looking for?”
“He believes he did a good thing and thinks he’s discovered a way to make people invisible.”
“That’s why he is in here. So you’re convinced he’s not a political prisoner?”
“Not only that, but I think he is certainly a mental case.”
“So, your story?”
“There is no story. He’s a serial killer who poisoned many people, and that’s that. Will he ever be cured?”
“Hard to say. There are days he thinks he is invisible too.”
“That must be hard.”
“No, he is well-behaved when he thinks no one can see him. Come with me. I’ll escort you to the main gate.”
Fiction Favorites 
Awesome twist.
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Thanks, Craig.
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Indeed a interesting part of the beautiful whole story, John! Thanks for sharing, and have a nice week! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. 😊
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I’m a little slow this morning, but I think I get the ker-dunk at the end. Great job, John!
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Thanks, Mae. The guy is a fraud for sure. (or maybe not)
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Loved this one, John. (If you’re looking for a new Story Empire topic, you should ABSOLUTELY consider writing about the twist ending.)
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Thank you, Staci. I was just wondering what I should write about. Thank you.I think I’ll do that for sure. 😁
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That’s two I’ve given you now. When I’m stuck, it’s your turn to prompt me! 🤣
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How will I know if you are stuck?
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I’ll be whining incessantly. Everyone will know. lol
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🤣
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Yes, the guy is a total fraud, and very transparent too. Very entertaining short…thanks John.
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Love the comment, Jim. 😁
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Wasn’t the end I expected. Nicely done.
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Thank you, Michele. 😊
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I knew you’d have fun with that word, John. Great job!
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Thank you, Jill. It was fun.
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Nice one, John. It yanked my mind around, which is kind of fun. Have a good one. 🙂
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You know me. Any handle worth grabbing is worth yanking. Thanks, Tim.
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Very clever twist, John. Well done! 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. 😊
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Clever, John. You are great at twists!
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Aww thank you, Noelle. 😁
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Another entertaining post with an unexpected twist. I wouldn’t mind being invisible now and again. 🙂 Keep working on that formula.
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I think it would be fun. Thanks, Jan.
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There’s a beginning to a thriller! Sometimes being invisible would be handy wouldn’t it. 😃
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Thank you, Deborah.
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Very interesting and intriguing!
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Thank you, Karen
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I like this John and the direction it went!
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I wonder how many times conversations like these have happened behind closed doors. Without invisibility of course.…
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It does make one wonder. Thanks, Pam
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It wouldn’t surprise me if this guy really were the scientist he claims to be, working for the military.
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Sounds like a good story, Liz. 😁
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It would. *shudder*
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😊
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Well done, John. I think I believe the guy.
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He does seem sincere.
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Wow! That was quite a story. Well done, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Whoa, this one shook me up a bit. Excellent!
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Thank you for letting me know you liked it Priscilla. 😁
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